Rose State 3D Prints Face Shields for Hospital

Rose State College is using 3D printers inside its STEM lab to make face shields to support Alliance Health Midwest Hospital. Two hundred of the 3D-printed plastic headbands and laminate covers were donated this week to ensure healthcare workers have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We are proud to be able to support our local hospital, and as soon as we learned there was a need for face shields, we began printing,” stated Dr. Jeanie Webb, President of Rose State. “We are committed to doing our part to provide equipment, so healthcare workers have the protective gear to help them do their jobs.”

The donated face shields are two pieces of equipment, consisting of a plastic headband and a visor. The plastic headband was 3D printed on machines in the STEM Lab on campus. It took five days of machine time to print all of the pieces. The final piece was the visor. Laminate sections were cut to specific Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to make up the shape of the screen that goes over a medical professional’s eyes and face.

Rose State STEM technicians studied and followed specific guidelines from the CDC, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) on printing medical equipment for COVID-19 as part of their process.

The final product was demonstrated to Alliance Health Midwest Hospital administrators before the donation with a moving response.

“I was in awe of the kindness, ingenuity, and sheer intellect of what the Rose State College STEM program can do,” said Clay Franklin, Alliance Health Chief Executive Officer. “Having this relationship with Rose State, and receiving PPE made from CDC specifications will ensure the highest level of protection for our caregivers on the front-lines. Our hospital and community are very grateful.”

The face shields were 3D-printed as a collaboration between the Rose State STEM Lab and aerospace partner, MOOG Inc.